"We will see that the offender who committed this cowardly act is held accountable," said Brad Livingston, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, according to NBC News.

"Correctional officers have one of the most difficult jobs in all of state government, protecting the public from dangerous individuals," Livingston said. "This is a tragic reminder that carrying out that mission can lead to the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this state safe." Johnson was a seven-year veteran of the criminal justice department.